The Vocational Individualized Training and Learning (VITAL) program is designed to help high school special education students succeed in a career and technical education program at Kirkwood Community College. Students receive individualized instruction aligned with student needs. While enrolled in VITAL, students officially remain secondary students, but take the Kirkwood curriculum and required courses in a career and technical education program. Credits earned while in VITAL will count towards Kirkwood degrees, diplomas or certificates appropriate to the program. VITAL students may select one of the Career Programs or Certificates from this list.

In addition to specific career and technical education training, students attend the VITAL resource class for academic support such as personal tutoring, testing accommodations, writing support, textbooks on CD, study skills instruction, note taking strategies and accommodations, and career, academic and personal counseling.

To be successful in the career and technical education curriculum at Kirkwood, students must be self-directed, motivated and committed to their career goals. VITAL students are full-time Kirkwood students and take at least 12 credit hours per semester.

What does the program provide?

Students participating in VITAL are enrolled in career and technical education programs at Kirkwood. In addition, each VITAL student can receive the following individualized support:

Tutoring

Testing Accommodations

Textbooks on CD

Proofreading, editing and assistance with written assignments

Study skills instruction

Assistance with organization/time management

Progress follow-up with instructors

Note taking accommodations

Who is eligible?

Students referred to the VITAL program must meet the following requirements:

Be enrolled in a high school special education program

Be recommended by the IEP team

Have completed all academic requirements, but still have unmet vocational needs

What are the expectations of program participants?

Regular attendance in program classes as well as in the VITAL classroom

Willingness to utilize support services as needed

Satisfactory academic progress

Participation in mid-year conference and spring staff-out meeting

When should students be referred?

During their early high school years, the VITAL program should be discussed as an option for special education students who desire post-secondary career and technical education training.

Because many programs fill up quickly, students who demonstrate the qualities needed to succeed in VITAL should be referred by their IEP team early in their senior year.

What is the enrollment process?

Once the IEP team makes the referral, the student must complete the following steps: